Delaware Reports State’s 1st Death From West Nile Virus

DOVER, Del. (AP) — Delaware public health officials are reporting the state’s first death from the mosquito-borne West Nile virus.

Officials said a 76-year-old New Castle woman with West Nile virus infection and several underlying medical conditions died Thursday.

The also said tests conducted this week confirmed that an 80-year-old Wilmington woman also contracted the virus, bringing the total this year to three.

Officials say that nearly 80 percent of people infected with West Nile virus will not become ill, but that roughly one in 150 people infected develop severe infection such as encephalitis or meningitis.

Symptoms of severe West Nile virus infection include headache, high fever, stiff neck, and/or tremors and muscle weakness. The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk.